What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Ephedrine and tranylcypromine
Tranylcypromine's FDA label of July 2, 2025 names ephedrine in its boxed warning section; ephedrine's label does not name tranylcypromine itself but warns about its class (MAO inhibitors). The tranylcypromine label: “… medicines that can raise blood pressure (sympathomimetic medicine), such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and ephedrine.”
Check it at the source: the ephedrine FDA label on DailyMed (effective September 16, 2024, Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC); the tranylcypromine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 2, 2025, Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.).
What does the ephedrine label say about tranylcypromine?
Ephedrine's label does not name tranylcypromine itself; it warns about its class (MAO inhibitors):
Ephedrine label, drug interactionsCarefully monitor the blood pressure of individuals who have received both EMERPHED and EMERPHED-PFS and an oxytocic. Clonidine, propofol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs ), atropine
Ephedrine label, drug interactionsCarefully monitor patients on cardiac glycosides who are also administered ephedrine. Interactions that Augment Pressor Effect: clonidine, oxytocin and oxytocic drugs, propofol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and atropine.
Source: FDA drug label (Emerphed PFS), Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC, effective September 16, 2024 (SPL set 14601778-93ac-43ec-b66b-5a942317133f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the tranylcypromine label say about ephedrine?
Tranylcypromine label, boxed warningSee, "What is the most important information I should know about PARNATE?” and “What are the possible side effects of PARNATE?” Do not take PARNATE if you: take certain medicines, including: antidepressants, such as: other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) tricyclic antidepressants other antidepressants, such as amoxapine, bupropion, maprotiline, nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone, vortioxetine amphetamines and methylphenidates medicines that can raise blood pressure (sympathomimetic medicine), such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and ephedrine.
Tranylcypromine label, contraindicationsOther monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) Tricyclic antidepressants Other antidepressants (e.g., amoxapine, bupropion, maprotiline, nefazodone, trazodone, vilazodone, vortioxetine) Amphetamines and methylphenidates and derivatives Sympathomimetic products (e.g., cold, hay fever or weight reducing products that contain vasoconstrictors such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine; …
Tranylcypromine label, drug interactions… Triptans Contraindicated a SS * Some drugs in these groups may also be listed in Table 4 below. ** Sympathomimetic drugs include amphetamines as well as cold, hay fever or weight-reducing products that contain vasoconstrictors such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and ephedrine) a [See Contraindications (4.1)]; b [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]; c [See Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] d If not otherwise specified in this table, consider avoiding concomitant use (see also information on medication-free intervals, use agent at the lowest appropriate dosage, monitor for effects of the interaction, advise the patient to report potential effects). e [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]; …
Source: FDA drug label (PARNATE), Advanz Pharma (US) Corp., effective July 2, 2025 (SPL set b72d8187-dfcc-4ea0-b5e9-c0be95b69a27), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Ephedrine | Tranylcypromine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Asthma | Depression |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $0.591 per tablet 10 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once